Minister orders reconstruction of parts of Mallam Market
The Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development has directed the Comet Construction Company to address problems with the Mallam Market project in Accra.
The minister has asked the company to reconstruct the creche (childcare facility) attached to the market due to poor workmanship. The company has also been told to finish paving the floor of the main market by the end of August.
The minister has also ordered the dismissal of the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly's engineer for failing to properly supervise the project. However, the engineer plans to contest the directive, saying the issues were the responsibility of the consultant.
The consultant, Dr. Andrews Kwablah, cited delays in funding releases as a potential reason for the problems. But the minister stated that the full contract sum of GHc 14.9 million had been paid, so the government cannot be held liable.
The minister has asked the company to reconstruct the creche (childcare facility) attached to the market due to poor workmanship. The company has also been told to finish paving the floor of the main market by the end of August.
The minister has also ordered the dismissal of the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly's engineer for failing to properly supervise the project. However, the engineer plans to contest the directive, saying the issues were the responsibility of the consultant.
The consultant, Dr. Andrews Kwablah, cited delays in funding releases as a potential reason for the problems. But the minister stated that the full contract sum of GHc 14.9 million had been paid, so the government cannot be held liable.
The Odawna Market Project
The Odawna Market project, which has the same facilities and contract sum as the Mallam Market, is also facing challenges. The contractors have been given until the end of this month to hand over the market to the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly.
The main issue is evicting illegal occupants who have taken advantage of the project's delays, which started in July 2017. The contractor is also expected to complete the creche and connect it to electricity.
The minister has directed that the weak fence wall be addressed and all illegal structures demolished to improve security. One positive note is that the small drains causing flooding have been widened and properly covered.